Officials report that a Phoenix police officer was shot multiple times during a traffic stop early Wednesday.

The officer was shot after initiating the stop in central Phoenix around 2:45 a.m. near 12th Street and Campbell Avenue, Phoenix police Sgt. Jonathan Howard said, according to CNN.

Howard revealed that officers later found the injured officer on the ground, noting that the bullets hit his vest, likely saving his life.

"Thank goodness he was wearing his (body armor) vest," Chief Joseph Yahner told reporters.

The officer, whose name is still unknown, was taken to a hospital and listed in serious condition. The details of his injuries weren't listed, but he is suspected to survive, according to KJZZ.

Investigators found the suspect's abandoned Ford Thunderbird sedan, reported CBS' Memphis affiliate WREG.

They believe the car's driver is the shooter, with the suspect being described as a "heavyset, white man."

Officers say they have no evidence linking this shooting to the string of shootings at vehicles along I-10.

An investigation is currently underway.

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